2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was rugged for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the vehicle was both stylish and practical, with a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive glossy plastics. However, a rattle from the license plate was noted during the test drive.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The interior featured a more spacious look with a horizontal layout and ambient lighting. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims added unique styling elements, making the Kona appear more athletic. The N Line's interior boasted exclusive black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals, while the Kona N offered a sportier experience with features like N sport bucket seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided a lively acceleration experience, though the engine noise was unpleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's handling was agreeable, though the tires lacked grip during spirited driving. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled as a daily driver, offering a comfortable ride and decent off-road capability with its 20.6 cm ground clearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, with the N Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 hp. The Kona N boasted a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 276 hp. The N Line's performance was spirited, with the DCT enhancing the driving experience despite minor turbo lag. The Kona's handling was composed, thanks to its low centre of gravity and AWD system. The vehicle felt stable and agile, with noise levels inside the cabin being pleasantly low.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom was decent, and the cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The dashboard was well-organized, and storage options were plentiful, though the cargo area was slightly compromised by the premium sound system's subwoofer.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's front seats were comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, and the small door openings made access challenging. Cargo space was tight at 544 litres, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats down. The Kona's compact dimensions meant rear-seat passengers had limited legroom, and towing was not recommended.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The JBL premium audio system provided satisfactory sound quality, and the vehicle offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with an 8-inch display, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the base screen. The Kona N Line offered a Harman Kardon audio system, and Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services for three years.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The Kona's forward collision-avoidance system was rated "Superior" for vehicle-to-vehicle protection.